Project Pathfinder Part 10, How to Build the Nissan VG30E

By Mari Umekubo

We are getting quite excited as Project Pathfinders motor is now up and running. We are out to show that a solid and reliable naturally aspirated Nissan VG30E can be just as strong or stronger in the power department as the VG33R supercharged motor in the  Frontiers with vastly superior fuel economy.  We also want to show that we can get the pulling power of a small V8 out of the VG. Last month we covered some tricks that Dan Paramore of DPR used to make our heads flow.  This month we will dive into the shortblock of our super Pathfinder.

To read about our VG30E headwork click here!

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FrankenMiata - Making it Handle With a Hacksaw

By Dave Coleman

The secrets of the the FrankenMiata's handling have been hidden for too long. Time to reveal everything. How we stiffened the springs without lowering the car; how we used bumpstops for free travel; how we stiffened the sway bars, and knew how much to do it; and where we set the alignment. All without spending a penny.

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AEM's Plug and Play ECU for the Chevy LS1, a Swappers Delight!

By Mike Kojima

Being able to have full control of engine management is a huge advantage when putting together one of the new generation hybrids.  We found a great remarkably simple solution for tuning with AEM's plug and play EMS for the LS1. The LS is fast becoming the new hybrid swap replacing K motors in Nissan S chassis and finding homes in the engine bays of 1st and 2nd generation RX-7's.

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The Ultimate guide to Suspension and Handling Part 2, Controlling Body Motion

By Mike Kojima

Previously, we covered the most important aspect of handling, the tires. The next important suspension trick to increase grip is to reduce body motion such as roll under hard cornering, dive under braking and squat under acceleration.  In later editions of this series we will get into the technical aspects of chassis dynamics but for now we are covering the basics and will gradually get into the harder to understand parts of the subject.

Check out part one of the series here!

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Project Garage Part I: Introduction

By Sarah Forst

When I was looking for a house, I knew I needed a bathroom, a kitchen, and a bedroom, but right up there with those priorities was a large garage. Since Monster Garage, freebie style, isn't too probable, thus begins Project Garage, budget style.

Project Garage Part I covers installing additional electrical outlets, insulation, and drywall in an unfinished garage space.

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Revenge of the Nerd- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Top Fuel Fun!

By Mike Kojima

A couple of weekends ago I took my 9 year old Daughter Christa to the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona.  Being the jaded 9 year old she is, she loved the Top Fuel cars, liked the funny cars and thought the 6 second Pro-Stock cars were lame because they were "too slow".  In between runs I explained how the inner workings of Top Fuel and Funny cars tick.  She was pretty amazed at some of the facts I told her about the cars and wanted to know how I knew so much about them.  I told her the story of how I was a crew member for a Top Fuel Funny Car last year during SEMA week.  I learned a lot about these amazing cars that day and I'll tell you the story I told her.

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K&N High-Flow Intake System Adds 17.52 Horsepower to the 2008-10 Subaru STI 2.5L

MotoIQ Staff Report

K&N has recently released their High-Flow Intake System for the 2008-10 Subaru WRX STI, (part no. 69-8005TTK) increases horsepower by 17.52 hp at 5260 rpm over the stock intake configuration. To achieve such a performance increase, K&N replaces the original intake assembly; including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design. The new system draws air through a K&N High-Flow Air Filter that increases airflow and never needs to be replaced. Protecting the cone-shaped air filter, and isolating it from engine heat, is a powder coated heat shield that replaces the stock air box.

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Nissan Titan Large Capacity Oil Pan, Cure for Transmission Overheating?

By Annie Sam

Without forcing you to read about our Nissan Titans transmission woes, basically the trucks major problem is that the transmission temperatures get very high when towing going up long steep grades such as the notorious Baker grade and the Grapevine, especially in the summer time.  We have experienced this transmission overheating even though our Titan has the factory tow package which has two oil coolers, one in the radiator and an oil to air unit in the front of the truck.

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Wrench Tips #12: Spark Plug Hose

by Dave Coleman 

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Amsoil Severe Gear SAE 250, Medicine for Weak Transmissions      

MotoIQ Staff Report

Now Redline is going to have some company in the extreme use category as Amsoil has just launched and new severe duty racing gear oil, Amsoil SEVERE GEAR SAE 250.  Like Redline, the Amsoil product has an amazing gear cushioning weight of 250!  The heavy weight SEVERE GEAR SAE 250 resists sling off and forms a shock absorbing cushion between gear parts as well as using an advanced extreme pressure metallic film forming additive package.  SEVERE GEAR SAE 250 is designated for racing use and is so new, you won't find it on Amsoil's web site yet but you can read about it on MotoIQ!

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